Waterproof Hiking Boots for Boys in Men’s Shoe Sizes

Do you have a son who is already wearing men’s shoe sizes and are you having a hard time finding a pair of waterproof hiking boots? Does your son have a “complicated” foot shape or foot condition that makes it more challenging to find comfortable boots for him to wear? At the shoe store where I work, I handle approximately 100 shoe fittings/try-ons per week, and some of the children who visit us are already wearing men’s shoe sizes. I will show you a list of the best waterproof hiking boots for boys in men’s shoe sizes based on my many years of shoe fitting experience.

The shoe store where I work is a children’s shoe store, but we do carry men’s and women’s shoe sizes for those children who have big feet.

Do I Have to Invest in Hiking Boots or Can My Child Wear Sneakers?

Yes, of course your son can wear his sneakers to go hiking, but this will depend on the type of hike that you are doing. If the trails are often smooth and free of large rocks and loose gravel then it shouldn’t be an issue to wear sneakers. But if you plan on hiking more rugged terrain or in cold weather, you should consider investing in a pair of hiking boots to provide your son with more stability, warmth, and traction control.

You should also note that your son’s feet might get wet if he wears sneakers and he will be more prone to slipping and falling as sneakers don’t have the same traction as hiking boots/shoes. The other disadvantage of wearing sneakers when hiking is that the sneakers will wear down a lot faster.

Pro Tip: If you’re pressed for time and want to jump directly to the selection of the best waterproof hiking boots for boys in men’s shoe sizes, you can click here.

First Things First – Do You Know Your Son’s Exact Foot Shape and Length?

Don’t assume that you know your son’s foot shape simply because you have been buying his shoes in the same width for the last few years. Our foot shape can change as we grow. For example, do you know whether your son has a high instep or not? The instep is the top part of the foot and when it’s high, it makes it a lot more challenging to find shoes that fit. Here is a picture of a child with a high instep for better visualization purposes:

This part of the foot determines what types of hiking boots will work best for your son’s feet. If your son happens to have a high instep then we need to look for boots that provide extra depth and allow the feet to sit deeply inside the boots. If you are unsure of your child’s exact foot length and shape, I recommend taking a look at another resource I have created. In just two simple steps, I will be able to determine what shoe size your child should wear.

The Importance of Providing Your Son with Waterproof Hiking Boots!

There is nothing worse than uncomfortable shoes when you are out hiking. The wrong hiking boots can lead to blisters, slips, or discomfort and can quickly discourage your son from going hiking again. These are the most important factors to consider before buying your child a pair of hiking boots:

• Comfort
• Traction
• Support
• Durability
• Fastening System
• Waterproof 

What Makes the Waterproof Hiking Boots I Recommend the Best Choice?

1️⃣ Stable Base of Support: The hiking boots that I recommend provide substantial and supportive outsoles to support and protect your child’s feet. This feature will increase comfort while hiking through uneven and tough terrain. In addition, hiking boots that go over the ankle provide additional support and protection from serious injuries such as ankle sprains. 

2️⃣ Firm Heel Counters: This is the back part of the boots that provides good ankle and heel support. Take a look at the image below to visualize where the heel counter of the boot is located:

3️⃣ Lightweight and Flexible: The hiking boots need to be supportive, but they need to be lightweight and flexible at the same time. This will help prevent your child’s feet and legs from easily getting tired. The hiking boots need to bend at the ball of the foot but no further:

4️⃣ Traction: Proper traction is critical when attempting rock scrambles or crossing streams on wet rocks. Even if you are not planning on doing a challenging hike with your son, traction is still important.

5️⃣ Waterproof: All of the hiking boots that I recommend are also waterproof, which means that you won’t have to worry when your child jumps or passes through a puddle. If the boot doesn’t have a label that reads waterproof, then it’s because it isn’t.

What Are the Best Hiking Boots Shoe Brands?

My go-to shoe brands are Merrell and Keen, as they apply the same technology, support, and traction control found in adult sizes to their kid sizes.

Keep in mind that all of the hiking boots that I recommend are extremely durable. So, while you might find some cheaper options out there if you buy a quality pair of hiking shoes, your child will probably outgrow them before they wear out.

Best Waterproof Hiking Boots for Boys in Men’s Shoe Sizes

Take a look at the description below each hiking boot that I recommend to find out if it can accommodate your son’s foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide, high instep). You will also learn about the features that the boot provides and the material that the boots are made of.

Consider that even though all of these hiking boots are waterproof they can also be worn during the summer.

Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links and we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you click our links and make purchases. This allows us to create free content and resources for many families around the world. 

Looking for Other Recommendations? – Get a Personalized Suggestion

Children’s shoe needs can vary depending on their age, activity level, and any specific foot conditions they may have. If you have any questions or need any further assistance, you can also contact us via email and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We are happy to help you find a different pair of boots for your teenage boy so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Most parents hope that their kids’ shoes will last for as long as they fit into them. As children get older, parents find that paying a little more for support and comfort pays off in the long run since they last longer too.

At the shoe store that I work for, I have met families whose children hiked in old tennis shoes with no socks (don’t recommend), sandals, (don’t recommend), and water shoes (also don’t recommend). To have a comfortable and safe time on the trails you should consider investing in a good pair of hiking boots.

Make Sure that Your Son Wears a Good Pair of Hiking Socks!

You don’t have to invest in a pair of hiking socks for your child, his regular socks will work well with the boots. Hiking socks are more expensive than the classic white cotton socks you can get at any regular shoe shop.

The correct type of hiking socks can make the hike more comfortable and provide a barrier between your child’s foot and the boots. Since hiking socks are designed for long days of walking, they usually come with extra cushioning underfoot. Below you can find my go-to hiking socks that are comfortable, durable, and affordable.

Let me know in the comments section below if you have any questions or need a different pair of shoes for your boy in men’s shoe sizes. In the meantime, you can refer to a different article that describes the best sneakers for boys in men’s shoe sizes.